Insulation Plate for Hair Extension

ABSTRACT

An insulation plate for hair extension that comprises a base plate, a hair holding plate extending from the base plate and comprising a hair holding slot and a finger holding ring attached to the base plate. The hair holding slot comprises an open end and a dead end that is opposite to the open end, and the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is predetermined. The distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is adjustable. The base plate further comprises a slot that comprises a plurality of notches. The finger holding ring comprises a tooth that moves along the slot and engages with one of the notches, and a ring holding bar that prevents the finger holding ring and the base plate from disassembled. The finger holding ring comprises an aligning groove that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The invention is related to an insulation plate for hair styling work. More particularly, the present invention is related to an insulation plate that reduces labor for hair styling, especially for hair extension work.

2. Description of the Prior Art

FIG. 1 shows an insulation plate by prior art. Hair styling work sometimes involves use of an heater, for example, to melt glue. The example shown illustrates that the insulation plate is used to insulate the heat generated by an electric heater that melts glue in hair extension work. A hair stylist chooses a position around the head of a customer, grabs some strands of customer's hair at the position, inserts the grabbed strands into a slot of the insulation plate, and temporarily fixes the insulation plate on the customer's hair by inserting a hair clip into the customer's hair and over the insulation plate. After finishing hair styling work including using an electric heater which emits high temperature heat, the hair stylist removes the insulation plate by disengaging the hair clip. This sequence is repeated for other positions around the head of the customer until the hair styling work is completed. Use of an insulation plate is essential due to safety concerns involved in using a heater that produces high temperature zone during the hair styling work. Labor handling the insulating plate forms substantial part of hair extension work time and thus the cost of hair extension. An insulation plate that can reduce the labor while preventing danger of the high heat has long been in need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the invention is to provide an insulation plate for hair extension, which reduces steps to finish attaching a strap of decorative hair to a customer's hair.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an insulation plate for extension, which facilitates movement of a hair stylist between a finished hair extension and a next hair extension work.

In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an insulation plate for hair extension that comprises a base plate, a hair holding plate extending from the base plate and comprising a hair holding slot and a finger holding ring attached to the base plate. The hair holding slot comprises an open end and a dead end that is opposite to the open end, wherein the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is predetermined.

The predetermined distance is in the range from 5 mm to 40 mm.

The finger holding ring may be integrated with the base plate and the finger holding ring is partially open opposite to the hair holding plate. In an embodiment, the base plate is flat, the base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and the finger holding ring is protruded from the upper surface and the hair holding plate is curved away from the lower surface. In another embodiment, the finger holding has shape of a partially open circle, and the center of the circle is near a plane in which the hair holding plate is positioned.

Preferably, the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is adjustable. The base plate further comprises a slot that comprises a plurality of notches. The finger holding ring comprises a tooth that moves along the slot and engages with one of the notches, and a ring holding bar that prevents the finger holding ring and the base plate from disassembled.

Alternatively, the base plate further comprises a slot, and the finger holding ring comprises a screw hole, a screw and a nut. The screw passes through the screw hole and the slot, and can move along the slot. The nut tightens the screw when the screw is positioned at a desired position within the slot.

The finger holding ring comprises an aligning groove that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair. The aligning groove is provided on the outer periphery of the finger holding ring opposite to the base plate.

The base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the finger holding ring is attached to the upper surface, wherein the hair holding plate is curved away from the lower surface.

Preferably, width of the dead end of the hair holding slot is in the range of 3 to 5 mm. The advantageous effects of the present invention are: (1) labor and time for hair extension work are reduced; (2) hair extension work is more streamlined because the insulation plate is always positioned on a hair stylist's finger and does not need to be attached to or detached from a customer's hair; and (3) a customer is not bothered by repeated use of a hair pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the best embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an insulation plate by prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an insulation plate by the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the insulation plate;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the insulation plate;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the step of preparing a customer's hair;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the step of engaging customer's hair to the insulation plate;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the step of temporarily holding customer's hair with the insulation plate;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the step of preparing a decorative hair for hair extension;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the step of fixing the decorative hair to customer's hair with an electric heater;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the step of rounding the glued connection of customer's hair and decorative hair with fingers of a hair stylist;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the step of removing the insulation plate;

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an insulation plate that has a finger holding ring, the position of which can be adjusted;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the insulation plate;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the base plate of the insulation plate;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the finger holding ring of the insulation plate;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the finger holding ring;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of an insulation plate that can adjust the position of a finger holding ring;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the insulation plate for which the position of the finger holding ring is farthest form the hair holding slot;

FIG. 18B is an elevation view of the insulation plate for which which the position of the finger holding ring is farthest from the hair holding slot;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the insulation plate for which the position of the finger holding ring is closest to the hair holding slot;

FIG. 19B is an elevation view of the insulation plate for which the position of the finger holding ring is closest to the hair holding slot;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an insulation plate to which a finger holding ring is integrated to the base plate;

FIG. 21 is an elevation view of the insulation plate;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an insulation plate to which a finger holding ring is integrated with the base plate;

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the insulation plate;

FIG. 24 is a view to similar to FIG. 22 but showing an insulation plate having a finger holding ring open to different direction; and

FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the insulation plate.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show an insulation plate 10 for hair extension according to the present invention. The insulation plate 10 comprises a base plate 12, a hair holding plate 14 extending from the base plate 12 and comprising a hair holding slot 16, and a finger holding ring 18 attached to the base plate 12. Referring FIG. 3, the hair holding slot 16 comprises an open end 20 and a dead end 22 that is opposite to the open end 20, wherein the distance d between the dead end 22 and the finger holding ring 18 is predetermined. The open end 20 is rounded to facilitate entry of hair strands into the hair holding slot 16.

The predetermined distance d (refer to FIG. 3) is in the range from 5 mm to 40 mm. The distance d is the optimum range of distance to provide enough space to use an electric heater 44 (refer to FIG. 9) to melt glue of a decorative hair strip 46 (refer to FIG. 8) while holding the insulation plate 10 as close as possible.

The width w (refer to FIG. 3) of the dead end of the hair holding slot is in the range of 3 to 5 mm. The width w is the optimum value that corresponds to handle optimal number of strands of customer's hair for hair extension work.

Referring FIG. 4, the base plate comprises an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26. The finger holding ring 18 is attached to the upper surface 24. The hair holding plate 18 is curved away from the lower surface 26 to conform to the shape of customer's head.

FIGS. 12-16 show another embodiment of an insulation plate 28, for which the distance d between the dead end 22 and the finger holding ring 18 is adjustable. A base plate 30 comprises a slot 32 that comprises a plurality of notches 34 (refer to FIG. 14). A finger holding ring 36 comprises a tooth 38 that moves along the slot 32 and engages with the notches 34, and a ring holding bar 40 that prevents the finger holding ring 36 and the base plate 30 from disassembled. A hair stylist can adjust the distance d for her maximum efficiency and convenience. When assembling the finger holding ring 36 with the base plate 30, the ring holding bar 40 is aligned with the slot 32 and passes through the slot 32 and then rotated to the position shown in FIG. 13.

The finger holding ring 36 comprises an aligning groove 42 that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair. The aligning groove 42 is provided on the outer periphery of the finger holding ring 36 opposite to the base plate 30. In hair extension work, a hair stylist places strands of a customer's hair into the aligning groove 42 and places strands of decorative hair over the strands of customer's hair. The aligning groove 42 provides guidance so that the accuracy of aligning customer hair and decorative hair to be attached does not depend only on the accuracy of a hair stylist's finger movement. The aligning groove enhances accuracy of alignment before the aligned hairs are bonded by an electric heater, and reduces fatigue of a hair stylist.

Referring to FIGS. 5-11, a method of hair extension using the insulation plate 10, 28 of the present invention is explained. FIG. 5 shows that a hair stylist prepares a customer's hair. She chooses location on the head of a customer for hair extension, and grabs appropriate number of strands of the customer's hair. FIG. 6 shows that the hair stylist engages customer's hair strands into the hair holding slot 16 of the insulation plate 10, 28. FIG. 7 shows that the hair stylist temporarily holds the customer's hair with the insulation plate. The hair strands contacts the dead end 22 of the hair holding slot 16. FIG. 8 shows that the hair stylist prepares the decorative hair strip 46 for hair extension. FIG. 9 shows that the hair stylist fixes the decorative hair strip 46 to customer's hair with the electric heater 44. FIG. 10 shows that the hair stylist rounds the glued connection of customer's hair and decorative hair strip with her fingers. FIG. 11 shows that the hair stylist removes the insulation plate from the connected hair strands. These steps are repeated for additional decorative hair strips until desired hair extension effect is obtained.

FIGS. 17-19B show another embodiment of an insulation plate 48 that can adjust the distance d. A base plate 50 comprises a slot 52, and a finger holding ring 54 comprises a screw hole 56, a screw 58 and a nut 60. The screw 58 passes through the screw hole 56 and the slot 52, and can move along the slot 52. The nut 60 tightens the screw 58 when the screw 58 is positioned at a desired position within the slot 52.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an insulation plate 62 that can be molded as a single body. A finger holding ring 64 is integrated with a base plate 66 and the finger holding ring 64 is partially open opposite to a hair holding plate 68. The base plate 66 is flat and the base plate 66 comprises an upper surface 70 and a lower surface 72. The finger holding ring 64 is protruded from the upper surface 70 and the hair holding plate 68 is curved away from the lower surface 72.

FIGS. 22 and 23 also show an insulation plate 74 that can be molded as a single body. A finger holding 76 has shape of a partially open circle, and the center of the circle is near a plane in which a hair holding plate 80 is positioned. A curved base plate 78 connects the finger holding ring 76 and the hair holding plate 80. FIGS. 24 and 25 show a variation of an insulation plate 82 having a finger holding ring 84 that is open in a direction opposite to that in FIG. 22. 

1. An insulation plate for hair extension comprising: a) a base plate; b) a hair holding plate extending from the base plate and comprising a hair holding slot; and c) a finger holding ring attached to the base plate; wherein the hair holding slot comprises an open end and a dead end that is opposite to the open end, wherein the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is predetermined.
 2. The insulation plate of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range from 5 mm to 40 mm.
 3. The insulation plate of claim 2, wherein the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is adjustable.
 4. The insulation plate of claim 3, wherein the base plate further comprises a slot that comprises a plurality of notches, wherein the finger holding ring comprises a tooth that moves along the slot and engages with one of the notches, and a ring holding bar that prevents the finger holding ring and the base plate from disassembled.
 5. The insulation plate of claim 4, wherein the finger holding ring comprises an aligning groove that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair, wherein the aligning groove is provided on the outer periphery of the finger holding ring opposite to the base plate.
 6. The insulation plate of claim 5, wherein the base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the finger holding ring is attached to the upper surface, wherein the hair holding plate is curved away from the lower surface.
 7. The insulation plate of claim 6, wherein the width of the dead end of the hair holding slot is in the range from 3 mm to 5 mm.
 8. The insulation plate of claim 2, wherein the finger holding ring comprises an aligning groove that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair, wherein the aligning groove is provided on the outer periphery of the finger holding ring opposite to the base plate.
 9. The insulation plate of claim 8, wherein the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is adjustable.
 10. The insulation plate of claim 9, wherein the base plate further comprises a slot that comprises a plurality of notches, wherein the finger holding ring comprises a tooth that moves along the slot and engages with one of the notches, and a ring holding bar that prevents the finger holding ring and the base plate from disassembled.
 11. The insulation plate of claim 10, wherein the base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the finger holding ring is attached to the upper surface, wherein the hair holding plate is curved away from the lower surface.
 12. The insulation plate of claim 11, wherein the width of the dead end of the hair holding slot is in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm.
 13. The insulation plate of claim 3, wherein the base plate further comprises a slot, and the finger holding ring comprises a screw hole, a screw and a nut, wherein the screw passes through the screw hole and the slot, and can move along the slot, wherein the nut tightens the screw when the screw is positioned at a desired position within the slot.
 14. The insulation plate of claim 2, wherein the finger holding ring is integrated with the base plate, wherein the finger holding ring is partially open opposite to the hair holding plate.
 15. The insulation plate of claim 14, wherein the base plate is flat, wherein the base plate comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the finger holding ring is protruded from the upper surface, wherein the hair holding plate is curved away from the lower surface
 16. The insulation plate of claim 14, wherein the finger holding has shape of a partially open circle, and the center of the circle is near a plane in which the hair holding plate is positioned. 